THE PATHWAYS ISSUE
UHD
is a downtown university built for students who don’t live downtown.
Each day, they arrive from across the region—by highway, rail, bus, and, as you’ll see, bicycle—making their way to a campus at the intersection of pathways and waterways. Once here, their work begins, as Gators don’t just earn degrees. They graduate with direction.
The issue in your hands explores the pathways UHD provides—social, intellectual, and professional. Alumni outcomes, student leadership, internship experiences— all of these demonstrate not just what happens when students are here, but also how they leave: with direction, a career, and a pathway toward success.
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWN
Interim President
Deborah E. Bordelon, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice President, University Relations
Debra McGaughey
Skyline
The Magazine of the University of Houston-Downtown Summer 2026
Publisher Marie Jacinto
Managing Editor Hayden Bergman, Ph.D.
Contributing Writers
Sandra Bretting, Kionna LeMalle, Adrin Martin, Natalia Ruiz, Felicity Tutu
Designer Antonio Manega
Photographers
Nicki Evans, Luz Castilla Hincapie, Marie Jacinto, Craig Loper, Mitchell Loper, Katherine Medina, Gabriela Perez
of Advancement and University Relations.
When I assumed the Interim Presidency in May 2026, I did so with immense pride in UHD’s achievements this past year. We maintained strong partnerships, increased legislative support, and completed our reaffirmation visit with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) with no recommendations and final approval coming in December 2026. These achievements are but a few of the many that close out this issue of Skyline. Together they attest to the promise of our university, the value of our academic programs, and the legacy of our unique impact on Houston and its region.
In these pages, you will find stories that capture the essence of what it means to be a part of our growing legacy. From participation in club sports to engagement in professional associations and a wide range of experiences in between, students at the University of Houston-Downtown benefit from authentic community and high impact experiences. The value of our degrees does not end with graduation; it begins there and continues throughout our graduates’ careers. To date, more than 75,000 UHD alumni can attest to this fact: A UHD degree is a degree of impact, forging a path through which Gators achieve their goals and give back to their communities. As we continue in our commitment to excellence, the ongoing support and engagement of our community—alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students—is more important than ever. We have much work to do as we implement the final year of our strategic plan, “A New Paradigm,” and lay the foundation for its next iteration. We will continue to improve retention and graduation rates, and we will expand our community impact, enlarging our footprint and deepening our presence in North Houston. In this next year, we will launch and begin operations at our new Center for Crime, Urban Research and Education (C-CURE), and we will begin shaping our next Legislative Appropriations Request with UHD’s mission and the needs of our community at the forefront of it all.
The University of Houston-Downtown is as vibrant now as it has ever been. Together, we can ensure the university’s continued growth and its ongoing investment in our city, state, and region.
Deborah E. Bordelon, Ph.D. Interim President
University of Houston-Downtown
Our talented students need your help to succeed at UHD and in their early careers. Scan to invest in Houston’s future workforce.
Members of the UHD Bike Club stand below "Education for All," created by Belin, aka Miguel Angel Belinchón, as part of the Big Art Bigger Change mural series in downtown Houston. Photos: Nicki Evans
BY MARIE JACINTO & FELICITY TUTU
Inaugural Gourmet Gators Fundraiser Supports Student Scholarships
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, the Wellness & Success Center (WSC) was transformed for UHD’s inaugural Gourmet Gators fundraiser with the culinary creations of beloved Houston chefs at the center of the event. Small plates were created by James Beard Awards semi-finalist Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlok; Patricia “Patti” Delgado, Executive Chef of the Original Ninfa's on Navigation; and the chefs of Gringos. Sumptuous sushi was provided by Tokyo Gardens Catering.
Thanks to the $750,000 pledged support of Lenora Sorola-Pohlman, recipient of the 2025 Marilyn Davies Leadership Award, the fundraiser netted more than $1 million, earmarked for student scholarships. UHD alumni Hannah Hartland McNair, Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation, and Mariselle Quijano, franchise owner of McDonald's, were honored as 2025 Golden Gator Award recipients with T-Mobile as the 2025 UHD Corporate Partner of the Year.
UHD’s iRadio Enters a New Era of Student Broadcasting
For the last decade, iRadio has served as a space where UHD students can share their voices and connect with the campus community. Now, the student-led station is expanding beyond the studio with new remote broadcasting technology that will allow students to stream live from events on and off campus.
“I call us the voice of the school,” said faculty advisor Dr. Lucas Logan. “Everything you see and listen to is the effort of students.”
The new technology was recently used during the 2025 Arts and Communication Festival, where students conducted interviews and shared live experiences from around campus. “I was excited about the ability to run the studio from anywhere,” student station manager Yarece Hill said. “We can leave the studio and still be connected with the audience, be one with the community.”
Listeners can tune into iRadio anytime at uhd.edu/iradio or through the RadioFX app, which is free on Play and the App Store.
UHD Launches First-Generation Gator Program
Did you know that 70% of our nearly 14,000 students are first-generation, a significantly higher percentage than both national (54%) and Texas (43.5%) averages? To support them, UHD launched its First-Generation Gator Program during the fall 2025 semester, providing scholarships, mentorships, family engagement, financial coaching, and other wraparound services. This initiative was made possible by two gifts totaling $400,000 from the Moody Foundation M-Pact Fund grant.
That grant also supports the Gator Resource Center’s financial wellness program, begun in spring 2026, as well as UHD’s institutional membership to the Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance. The financial wellness program serves all Gators with a specific focus on supporting First-Gen Gators through financial literacy and coaching.
A playful mix of comics and anime characters invaded UHD’s WSC on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, for the first-ever Gator Con, UHD’s version of Comicpalooza. Half of the more than 300 attendees were UHD students with the other half from neighborhoods across the Houston area. Gator Con featured 40 vendors, six engaging panels, games, and performances by Gator Groove and the UHD Cheer team.
“We are incredibly proud of the strong turnout and enthusiasm surrounding Gator Con 2026 and believe this year’s event has set the foundation for an even bigger experience in the future,” said Jack Weisberger, Gator Con Planning Committee Chair and Assistant Director for the Center for Student Leadership & Involvement.
Commitment Day 2026
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, hundreds of high school seniors and their families gathered at UHD to celebrate their college choice for the fall: the University of Houston-Downtown. Hosted by UHD’s Division of Enrollment Management, the inaugural event welcomed both freshmen and transfer students with a simple promise: “no seminars, no orientation—just pure fun.” And that’s what UHD’s newest Gators experienced: face-painting, caricature drawings, and food, plus unique swag like personalized plates, Gator yard signs, and pennants. Additionally, students embraced UHD’s culture and newest tradition by touching the Gator statue on the South Deck as a symbol of a successful year and signed their class banner, which will be proudly displayed on campus.
Gator Con 2026: A Smash Hit
Left: Gourmet Gators at the Wellness & Success Center
Right: Dr. Deborah E. Bordelon, Lenora Sorola-Pohlman, and Javier “Jay” L. Zambrano
Photos: Mitchell Loper
Right Top: New Gators Millie Lopez and Atilio Garcia at Commitment Day
Bottom: Mandi Olivarez hands incoming freshman Ervin Calvo a prize.
Photos: Marie Jacinto
The First Gen Panel during 2025 First Gen Week
Below: Gator Con 2026
Photos: Marie Jacinto
Urban Education Alumni Make the Grade
In his autobiography, Malcom X wrote that his alma mater was books, a reflection that imagines education as something larger than what happens in a classroom. Across Houston, UHD alums are using what they learned at their alma mater to instill in students a sense that what they learn in school is a pathway to opportunity.
BY HAYDEN BERGMAN
BY
PHOTOS
CRAIG LOPER
PHOTO EDITING BY LUZ CASTILLA HINCAPIE
Photo: Rim Mohamed, Principal at Dogan Elementary and UHD alum.
Leading that work is UHD alum Rim Mohamed, principal of Dogan Elementary. “My focus has always been developing the whole child,” Mohamed said. “We intentionally create opportunities for students to experience the world beyond their immediate community.”
Since Mohamed became principal, the school has seen measurable growth in student achievement, particularly in reading, math, and science. She credits that progress to a culture built around high expectations and targeted student support.
“One of the most important lessons I learned at UHD is the importance of meeting students where they are while maintaining high standards.”
That philosophy has also shaped how Dogan Elementary develops educators and future leaders within the school community. Mohamed points to one staff member who progressed from teacher assistant to teacher apprentice to fully certified teacher before earning Rookie Teacher of the Year honors for the 2024–2025 school year.
Perhaps it is surprising that leadership was not originally part of Mohamed’s career plan. Inspired by her own teachers, she arrived at UHD with visions of a career as a classroom teacher. An earlycareer conversation changed her perspective.
The principal at her first teaching job—who
had also been her principal when she was a ninth grade student—asked her: “Why limit your impact to one classroom when you can impact an entire school?” The question ultimately pushed her toward leadership and strengthened her desire to serve students in communities like the one that shaped her.
Today, her work intersects with the Houston Promise initiative, a citywide effort aimed at helping HISD schools achieve A- or B-level accountability ratings by 2027. As part of the initiative, UHD has partnered with Dogan Elementary, providing professional development support, student engagement activities, and campus experiences designed to strengthen college pathways for local children and their families.
Mohamed says the partnership has helped her students see higher education as attainable.
“Physically being on a college campus helps shift their mindset … it builds aspiration and normalizes the idea that ‘this is a place for me.’”
That exposure can create lasting change for students who may not initially see themselves in leadership or college environments.
Mohamed recalled one student who initially lacked confidence academically. Through mentorship, encouragement, and exposure to new experiences, the student eventually applied to a
weeklong leadership camp in Austin for highperforming students across Texas.
“That shift is exactly the kind of impact we’re trying to create for every student.”
And Mohamed is but one of several UHD alumni, along with principals Alicia Puente at Durkee Elementary and Jeanette Cortez at Pugh Elementary—who serve in school leadership roles across Houston-area campuses, reflecting the university’s impact on public education and student success throughout the region.
For Mohamed, the long-term goal lies far beyond the classroom.
“I want our students to leave with a strong sense of self-belief—that they are capable, that they belong in any space they choose to pursue, and that their voice matters.”
“ One of the most important lessons I learned at UHD is the importance of meeting students where they are while maintaining high standards.
At right: Mohamed and her Assistant Principal, Ms. Subrina Bradley, at their “mobile offices,” an innovative technique Mohamed uses to work and be present throughout Dogan Elementary during the school day.
Middle: Mohamed in the classroom. Behind her is third grade ELA teacher LaPorsche Conley, also a UHD alum (Interdisciplinary Studies).
Support for UHD’s Urban Education program is support for Houston’s children and the city’s future. Scan to make your gift.
LEGACY CREATING
Across generations and across Houston, UHD alumni are turning education into careers, community impact, and new pathways for those who follow behind them.
Paula and Robert Mendoza
Photo: Craig Loper
Mendoza Family Turns UHD Education Into Success and Service
BY SANDRA BRETTING
An accomplished business owner and holder of two degrees from UHD, Paula Mendoza measures success by how many young lives she impacts. Whether by employing interns at her multimillion-dollar procurement company or mentoring them through her many volunteer positions, Mendoza strives to encourage others—especially groups society might otherwise overlook—to achieve their dreams.
Mendoza’s influence casts a wide net. She was appointed to the Texas Ethics Commission, where she served six years, and then appointed to the Board of Regents for the University of Houston System, where she served another six years.
She recently undertook one of her most challenging roles: serving as a member of the Board of Managers for the Houston Independent School District.
“It’s personal to me. I want all students in Houston to have access to quality education because that’s not something I had in high school,” said Mendoza, a Houston native.
Mendoza founded Possible Missions in 2001 to link small businesses with quality products and services. Possible Missions now employs 25 fulltime and part-time staff plus interns. The company hires two to three interns every semester, many of them from UHD.
Like Paula, her husband Robert and stepson Robert Mendoza Jr. also attended UHD. The younger Mendoza received his bachelor’s degree in 1995.
“It was the perfect situation for me because I worked part time for a small technology firm and went to school full time,” Robert said. “I never could’ve done that without enjoying the flexibility that UHD offered.”
Following his graduation from UHD, the younger Mendoza pursued an MBA at Rice University and subsequently was hired by Chase Manhattan Bank, the forerunner of JPMorgan Chase & Co. He has worked his way up to become a managing partner for the company.
Like Paula, Robert has long been interested in helping the next generation of young professionals succeed.
“I love helping young bankers and businesspeople do well,” Robert said. “Mentoring them has been the most rewarding part of my career.”
For the Mendozas, success is measured not just by what they achieve, but by the opportunities they create for the next generation of UHD students and professionals.
“ I never could’ve done that without enjoying the flexibility that UHD offered.
Robert Mendoza Jr., Paula and Robert Mendoza
Photo: Craig Loper
Three First-Gen Siblings Find Career Paths
BY ADRIN MARTIN
For the Valdez family, UHD wasn't just a first college experience—it was the launchpad for three siblings into careers in healthcare and public service.
Dr. Isaac Valdez graduated from UHD in 2014 with an undergraduate degree in Applied Mathematics. Since then, he’s worked as a clinical program manager at MD Anderson Cancer Center, earned a Ph.D. from UTHealth Houston, and served as Vice President for Apollo Healthcare, a Division of Radiation Business Solutions. He recently began a new role as the Associate Vice President of Radiation Oncology at Fred Hutchinson (Fred Hutch) Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington. Fred Hutch is an independent, nonprofit cancer research institute that also serves as the cancer program for the University of Washington Medicine.
UHD’s small class sizes and proximity to downtown Houston were intriguing to Isaac, but his older sister Reyna’s positive experience helped solidify his decision to become a Gator. “I give a lot of credit to my sister,” Isaac said. Reyna, who also earned a degree in the sciences, now works in the pathology department at MD Anderson.
Reyna’s experience in UHD’s Scholars Academy was especially influential: “She would come home and tell me about Scholars Academy. The relationships that she was building with the professors were more personal, and I really liked that.”
UHD’s influence on the Valdez family extends beyond Reyna and Isaac. The siblings’ younger brother, Martin, also attended, branching out of the sciences to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. He now works as a state trooper in Colorado.
“We’re all first-generation students. Reyna’s the one that broke that ceiling for us and really got to learn how UHD operated. She showed me the ropes, and so it was a little bit easier for me to navigate UHD.”
The trio’s on-campus involvement created a lasting bond with the university. Isaac said, “All three of us were part of the Environmental Club and the Student Government Association at the time. We got to share a lot of experiences together, whether it was volunteering at the community garden or getting lunch with all our friends.” He continued, “I got to meet some of my sister’s friends, and then she got to meet some of mine, and then I got to meet some of my brother’s.”
Isaac’s and Martin’s spouses are also alumni, making for five Gator alums in the Valdez family.
“ All three of us were part of the Environmental Club and Student Government Association at the time. We got to share a lot of experiences together.
Dr. Isaac Valdez’s family; Top row, left to right: Marianela Valdez (aunt), Rolando Esquivel (uncle), Thomas Gutierrez (father-in-law), Michellee Gutierrez Valdez (wife, UHD alum), Isaac Valdez, Maria Valdez Calixto (mother), Martin Valdez Flores (father), Reyna Valdez (sister, UHD alum).
Bottom row, left to right - Edith Aldaba (sister-inlaw, UHD alum), Martin Valdez (brother, UHD Alum).
Photo courtesy of Valdez family
Father and Son Build a Gator Legacy
BY FELICITY TUTU
Being a Gator isn’t a single chapter; it’s a story connected across generations. At UHD, father and son Armando and Sebastian Rodriguez found their own paths to education, brotherhood, and purpose, shaping a shared legacy.
For Armando, that journey began long before UHD had a place in his life. “I used to drive past the building on North Main Street as a kid and never thought I’d end up there,” he said. “But life has a way of lining things up when you least expect it.” Years later, after setbacks and reflection, UHD became the place where he rebuilt his academic path, laying the foundation not just for his own future but for a family story still unfolding.
As a single father raising two children while working full time, he earned multiple degrees from UHD, including a Bachelor of Arts in English and Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching with Curriculum & Instruction, eventually building a career as an educator himself.
That commitment to learning continued through personal challenges, including a recent battle with tonsil cancer that required months of treatment and recovery. “No one can take your education from you,” he said, sharing a belief that sustained him through long nights, heavy responsibilities, and the determination to keep going.
Armando’s journey set an example, but Sebastian’s story would unfold on his own terms. After graduating high school with multiple baseball scholarship offers, Sebastian made the unexpected decision to step away from the sport and choose a different college experience.
“ UHD met each of them where they were, offering opportunity, brotherhood, and a sense of belonging.
“I didn’t want to go to a junior college to play baseball and see the same people I’d known my whole life,” he said. “I wanted something new.”
That desire led him to UHD, where he is now pursuing a business degree, drawn to the flexibility and endless opportunity the campus offered.
While Sebastian sought to carve his own path at UHD, the values behind Armando’s journey were never far from view. Both eventually found community and purpose through Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc., each entering the brotherhood in their own time. That shared experience connected their paths not just as father and son, but as brothers. “Seeing him go through the process on his own made me proud in a different way,” Armando said. “He wasn’t following me. He was choosing for himself.”
Together, their story shows that there is no single path to becoming a Gator. UHD met each of them where they were, offering opportunity, brotherhood, and a sense of belonging that will last well beyond their time on campus.
Top: UHD Chapter of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity at the UHD 2026 Chili Cook-Off Bottom: Armando and Sebastian Rodriguez
Photo: Craig Loper
Two new leaders at UHD are shaping campus safety and cultural expression
Setting the Tone
BY HAYDEN BERGMAN / FELICITY TUTU
The new Chief of Police at UHD, Clemente Rodriguez, has a simple goal: ensure every Gator receives the same support he did decades ago when he walked the halls of One Main Building as a student.“I’m a Gator,” he said. “I graduated back in 1998, and without the opportunity this university gave me, I don’t know if I would have been as successful as I am today. It feels like I’ve come home.”
A native Houstonian and first-generation college graduate, Chief Rodriguez returns to his alma mater by way of the Rice University Police Department, where he began as an officer and was promoted to chief during his two and a half decades of service. He brings to UHD a leadership philosophy built on what he calls “compassionate policing.” Rather than a reactive approach, Rodriguez emphasizes high visibility throughout campus, professional courtesy, and community outreach.
And there are clear, actionable objectives, Rodriguez said, the completion of which will allow UHDPD to live up to the values he brings to the department: filling existing vacancies to increase
Mariachi music has long been a symbol of celebration and identity. At UHD, the tradition is now gaining renewed momentum as a structured academic program led by Mariachi Director David Moreno.
Previously, there existed a student-led club supported through Student Affairs, organized by José Vásquez, Associate Director of Student Leadership and Involvement, who helped establish the program’s early roots.
Now, Moreno and the ensemble are entering an exciting new phase as part of the university’s Fine Arts curriculum, providing formal instruction in music practice, history, theory, performance, and in the business side of the arts.
For Moreno, the opportunity to lead UHD's Mariachi Ensemble represents both a professional milestone and a cultural responsibility. “Mariachi is more than entertainment,” Moreno said. “It’s a tradition that carries history, discipline, and pride. My goal is to build a program that embraces tradition while representing UHD to its fullest.”
visibility and presence, encouraging all officers to obtain the Master Peace Officer (MPO) certification, and prioritizing additional mental health training.
The department is on its way to meeting his goals, as they’ve hired two security officers and are in the process of onboarding another, while 11 officers currently hold their MPO certification. They’ve also implemented a High Visibility Patrol Initiative focused on increasing officer presence in parking lots, garages, and exterior areas to increase safety in and around campus.
The chief has also begun to tap into his existing relationships with local law enforcement including Metro Police Department, Houston Police Department, and Harris County Sheriff’s Office, evidenced by the recently announced partnership with Metro Police Department to collaborate on safety in and around campus, Metro rail lines, and bus stops that are used by Gators.
When he isn’t at work, Rodriguez spends time with his family, cheers for the Texans, Astros, or Rockets, and walks his rescue dog, Chip, a routine that keeps him grounded and connected to the city.
Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in South Texas, Moreno later refined his craft at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, home to one of the nation’s most respected collegiate mariachi programs. Today, he brings that experience to the heart of downtown Houston as Director and Instructor of the UHD Mariachi Ensemble.
“It’s exciting to start something almost from zero. We’re growing little by little, and the goal is to build a full ensemble that represents UHD,” Moreno said. The group has grown to seven students so far and continues to welcome experienced musicians while seeking donations—monetary, instruments, or audio equipment accessories like microphones—to support the program’s expansion.
Scan then search “Mariachi” and make your gift to UHD’s Mariachi Ensemble or to the Mariachi Scholarship fund.
Photo: Katherine Medina
Photo: Craig Loper
Photo editing: Luz Castilla Hincapie
The UHD Bike Club connects students to campus, city, and each other
HITTING THE PAVEMENT
by Hayden Bergman
photos by Nicki Evans
UHD Bike Club members Brian Gardner and Christopher Edge hit the pavement.
Ata downtown university where most students arrive, attend class, then leave, the UHD Bike Club is creating something different: students staying on campus, exploring downtown and the adjacent neighborhoods, and building connections—not only with each other but also with the city around them, too.
Since relaunching after a period of inactivity, the organization has grown to more than 50 registered members and holds regular group rides. These outings—held on Fridays, Sundays, and through special monthly events—give students a reason to return to campus even when they don’t have class, thereby increasing engagement in ways many commuter institutions struggle to achieve.
Led by Accounting senior Ethan Campbell, the club prioritizes safe routes through Houston’s hundreds of miles of bike lanes. And while most rides are carefully planned (like the popular Hermann Park route), others are intentionally exploratory.
“You’re going slow enough that you can really notice the finer details,” Campbell said. “We always see cool stuff when we’re riding around.”
On one recent ride, students stopped at the opening of the Houston Museum of African American Culture in Midtown and stayed for a live outdoor concert. Such unplanned moments have become typical of the group ride experience.
For Alejandro “Lex” Perez, a Management Information Systems alum, founder of the club, and Vice Chair of the Bicycle Advisory Committee with the City of Houston, those experiences are impactful beyond simple recreation, as students develop familiarity with neighborhoods that once felt distant or disconnected. “We’re helping people feel more comfortable navigating the city.”
“ You’re going slow enough that you can real ly notice the finer details.
Camryn Ross takes a break on Main Street.
“ We’re helping people feel more comfortable navigating the city.
The impact is also economic. Through partnerships and programming, the club has taught multiple students how to ride a bike, a basic life skill that became a new opportunity, as one student who initially didn’t know how to ride gained enough confidence within a year to begin work as a delivery driver in Midtown.
For the club’s student leaders, running the organization builds practical skills that extend beyond staying upright on two wheels. Campbell credits the experience with strengthening his ability to organize events, coordinate teams, and communicate effectively.
He and the other student leaders also manage logistics like route planning, safety considerations, event scheduling, and campus engagement.
That combination—student connection, city engagement, and skill development—makes the Bike Club more than a recreational organization.
At a commuter institution in which many students live far from campus, it functions as critical infrastructure for belonging, which in turn keeps students in school and on track toward their degree and eventual careers.
And as downtown Houston continues to grow—with new events, businesses, and increased visibility during global moments like the FIFA World Cup this summer—the club is a model for how Gators can engage with the city, not as visitors but as participants.
Pictured above, left to right: Christopher Edge, Astrid Rojas, Lex Perez, Ethan Campbell, Camryn Ross, Brian Gardner, Genysis Pimienta, David Fischer.
Professional Pathways
BY ADRIN MARTIN
UHD is home to an expansive variety of student-centered professional organizations, ranging from smaller groups founded on campus to local, collegiate chapters of national organizations. Across the four academic colleges, these organizations help students build careers while still in school by connecting them to industry professionals and giving them opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world settings.
Creating a Strong Foundation for Future Engineers
UHD’s American Concrete Institute (ACI) chapter was established in 2012 and is one of more than 350 student chapters that make up the organization’s global reach across 120 countries— all in the name of advancing concrete technology.
“Our members gain hands-on experience through competitions that challenge us to apply engineering concepts in design, planning, calculations, and leadership roles,” said Chapter President Edward Mota. “It’s not just about theory—we go through the full process of trial and error, learning how to design, test, and improve our ideas in a way that reflects real-world engineering practices.”
With ACI Houston’s support, UHD’s ACI team competed in the ACI FRP Composites Competition in Chicago last year. Tasked with designing a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) concrete beam, the team placed second in Texas and in the top 10 nationally.
Mota praised ACI for its network of industry professionals and students. “It creates opportunities to network, learn, and build connections that go beyond the classroom. Overall, it’s an incredible experience.”
The UHD American Concrete Institute team (facing page) competed in a national engineering competition last year and designed a concrete beam commonly used in infrastructure projects (above).
Taking Top Honors and Landing Scholarships: AMA UHD
In AMA UHD, Gators engage with the largest marketing organization in the United States, the American Marketing Association (AMA), and its members have secured several prestigious scholarships and awards. This year, AMA UHD members earned three of the 14 scholarships awarded by the Advertising Education Foundation of Houston—the most of any participating university. Gator students were also part of the top three teams at the Student Advertising Competition—an intercollegiate advertising competition run by the American Advertising Federation of Houston.
Chapter President Angie Monterroso attests to the organization’s ability to launch careers and hone professional skills, and said that AMA represents “growth, connection, and impact—being part of that journey is meaningful and helpful to so many students.”
AMA UHD receives support from the Marilyn Davies College of Business and UHD’s marketing faculty members, including advisors Dr. Michael Pettiette, Dr. Lucille Pointer, and Dr. Scott Davis. The chapter also connects students with industry leaders, helping students engage with Houston’s top companies, introductions that often lead to internships.
Preparing Psychology Majors for the Next Step
Ophelia Palomo, UHD Chapter President of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, feels “a great sense of pride” as a Psi Chi member. The organization is among the largest honor societies in the United States, connecting nearly one million student, faculty, and alumni members.
Palomo credits the supportive faculty and organization’s resources for the chapter’s success.
With Drs. Kristin Anderson and Courtney Baugh as advisors, the organization has hosted field practitioners as guest speakers. Last spring, Maria Benezra, the Clinical Director with Greater Houston Counseling Services, spoke about her career as a Licensed Professional CounselorSupervisor. “These kinds of experiences are formative for students in helping them decide what they want to do with their futures,” Baugh said.
The UHD Psi Chi Chapter also holds graduate school talks clarifying the realities of postgraduate studies, helping Gators decide if advanced academic study is right for them. “Psi Chi is made up of high-performing psychology students,” said Baugh. “These students want to ensure that they use their major for something that helps others.”
Building Community, Supporting Bilingual Educators
As President Melanie Fernandez Cordova said, UHD’s Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO) “stands out because it emphasizes service, leadership, and academic success all at the same time, so members are constantly encouraged to improve themselves while also giving back to the community.” Cordova is especially proud of how BESO supports Gator students through academic support and social events.
“Building a strong connection with our students matters greatly,” Faculty Co-Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Stackhouse said. “When students leave UHD to become teachers, developing and strengthening their support network helps ensure their success and longevity in the classroom. Most importantly, supporting our BESO students also means helping to inspire the next generation of teachers in bilingual education.”
Sisters Daisy and Elsy Flores, who previously served as BESO’s president and vice president, expressed pride in the sense of community that BESO cultivates. “For me,” Daisy said, “BESO will always be more than just an organization. It’s a community that stays with you.”
Above: The UHD Chapter of the American Marketing Association competed, networked with industry professionals, and earned national recognition for its work.
Facing page:
Top: Kettani Zeroual, Ophelia Palomo, and Becky Ditto are the
The Work They Delight In
From stage to stacks, UHD students find career direction.
By Hayden Bergman
This past spring, the O’Kane Theatre ran a production of “Macbeth,” a play about, among other things, the consequences of runaway ambition. Off stage, UHD’s drama program translates healthy ambition into real-world opportunities for students—including one who recently secured an internship at the Alley Theatre.
Sofia Hurtado, a Fine Arts major with a concentration in drama and theater, will begin her work at the nearby company next semester. Her duties will mainly entail assisting with script translation for the Alley’s live interpretation feature for Spanish-speaking audiences.
That opportunity came about, she said, after attending a joint event hosted by UHD’s drama faculty and the Center for Latino Studies at the Alley Theatre. During that visit, faculty introduced her to industry professionals, leading to follow-up conversations, an interview, and ultimately, an offer.
“Our faculty are so invested in the students,” Hurtado said, and added that they’re the key reason she chose to transfer to UHD from San Jacinto College. The university’s downtown location and proximity to Houston’s theatre district also played a role, creating opportunities for students to engage directly with working professionals in the field.
That pathway—from classroom to stage to industry—is part of a broader process of artistic and professional development that happens at UHD. “The challenge as an actor is you have to figure out a way to make the character’s experiences real for you, even though you haven’t been through the same thing,” she said. She brought that approach to her portrayal of Lady Macbeth, a character often viewed as manipulative but who is, in Hurtado’s interpretation, more complex.
“She’s just a woman trying to get ahead,” Hurtado said. “But there’s so much more to her than that. Her story is told through her husband, so it was my job to dissect her character and past in a way that enriched the play we have worked together to create.”
Experiences like these—combining performance, faculty mentorship, and direct exposure to the professional arts community—are central to UHD’s drama program. Students not only develop their craft as artists, but also leave campus with the relationships and skills needed to pursue careers in the arts.
Hurtado during “Macbeth” rehearsals at UHD’s O’Kane Theatre.
In the 1981 film "Raiders of the Lost Ark," Indiana Jones works to secure the Ark of the Covenant not only to prevent the Nazis from misusing its power, but also to preserve its cultural and historical significance. When UHD English alum Abraham Leija arrived here on campus, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to study. Before long, however, he was on a quest of his own.
Today, he’s on a clear path to becoming an archivist, after completing a competitive summer internship at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), an opportunity no other UHD English major has previously secured.
Leija’s career direction crystallized when he went on a Study Abroad trip to London and York, where Gator faculty led him and his fellow students on explorations through world-class institutions such as the British Library and the Imperial War Museum. These experiences, combined with coursework with Dr. Chuck Jackson, Professor of English, connected Leija’s passion for the historical to a related career path: archival work. Student organizations helped his development as well, as The Dateline and the Bayou Review allowed him repeated opportunities to refine his research and writing skills.
All of this led to securing his internship at the MFAH, where Leija engaged in hands-on archival work, researching and rehousing MFAH historical materials.
He is now enrolled in a Master of Science in Library Science program with a concentration in Archival Studies at the University of North Texas and is actively interviewing for archivist positions with public sector institutions around the country.
Leija worked in the MFAH archives and in the Hirsch Library (pictured) a comprehensive art research library that serves scholars, students, and the general public.
Photos: Craig Loper
Photo editing and composite creation: Luz Castilla Hincapie
Bayou’s Best
One of UHD’s traditions is the Bayou’s Best Showcase, hosted every October to select outstanding undergraduate and graduate students to serve in the university’s highest student leadership positions. In October 2025, four students, each with a unique story, won the prestigious title of “Bayou’s Best,” underscoring how UHD’s finest are strengthening student engagement and representing the university in high-impact settings like peer mentorship and community service.
by Adrin Martin
VANESSA MATTOX
JESSICA MCCRAW
Jessica McCraw’s inspiration for participating in the Bayou’s Best Showcase? Her daughter. It seems to have paid off, as she now assumes one of UHD’s highest student leader and ambassador positions. In her new role, McCraw strives to be a “voice for the voiceless, supporting those who may not know what means and opportunities are really out there for them.”
As a graduate student, McCraw brought a unique perspective to Bayou’s Best. The student earned her second master’s degree in May 2026: a Master of Business Administration with a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management and Project Management. This accomplishment follows McCraw’s receipt of a master’s in management and a bachelor’s in business from the University of Phoenix.
And McCraw isn’t finished, as she hopes she and her fellow winners can build on their recent success. “We’re just students who want to help, students that want to be involved, and students that want to see everybody succeed.”
As a first-generation, non-traditional student returning to higher education after more than 20 years, Vanessa Mattox wondered whether she would feel out of place at UHD. However, she now feels like part of a family. Mattox said, “Being able to be involved and knowing that my voice mattered—that meant everything to me. I wasn’t just lost in the crowd.” Mattox certainly hasn’t been lost in the crowd. Along with her Bayou’s Best win, the Criminal Justice student has remained committed to community impact. As Community Outreach Director for UHD’s Black Student Association, she helped facilitate the UHD Community Baby Shower in the 40,000 Windows Café, a Walgreens-sponsored event that served approximately 20 families. “I was a single parent at the age of 18 when I had my oldest daughter,” Mattox said. “I want others to see that even after choosing my family and building a career, you can still come back, give back, and pursue your dreams.”
The showcase winner also drove student engagement at the 2025 National Black MBA Association Conference. Working closely with UHD’s Director of Student Leadership and Involvement Tremaine Kwasikpui, Mattox supported more than 100 UHD students as they attended leadership development sessions and networked with national employers.
Photos: Craig Loper
“
Being able to be involved and knowing that my voice mattered—that meant everything to me. I wasn’t just lost in the crowd.
“ That’s really why I’m grateful that I’ve won Bayou’s Best— because it enabled me to do more public speaking, to develop that skill a little bit more, but also to be a voice for students.
SHIKYNA WILLIAM
Five years ago, Shikyna William was a student at Pakistan’s Forman Christian College, a liberal arts university based in the city of Lahore. Today, she is a Data Science major. “I think I just have a different story. Not every day do you find someone come from Pakistan, transfer, and get into Scholars Academy.”
According to Dr. Mary Parker, Executive Director of Scholars Academy, William “is positive, motivated, and wants everyone to experience success.” Parker also attested to William’s research accomplishments as a mentee to professor Dr. Katarina Jegdic, saying, “She did very well and participated in the Department of Education’s Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program’s research presentations.”
William’s knack for leadership is reflected in her recent work for UHD’s Get Ready Gators Summer Bridge program. As a program coordinator, William helped nearly 40 high school graduates make the transition to college. The Bayou’s Best winner is also a Senior Mentor in UHD’s Supplemental Instructor (SI) program, where she offers support to the program’s SI Mentors and SI Leaders. She assumes the leadership role after acting as a social media manager and an SI Leader for a math course.
JOE PEREZ
“To be judged by your peers and to be told that you’re one of the best, even though you may not feel that way all the time, is a really good feeling,” said Joe Perez Jr. of his Bayou’s Best victory. The Business major impressed the judges with his commitment to authenticity and excellent speaking ability—traits that helped him in his new ambassador role. At the recommendation of then-Provost Dr. Deborah E. Bordelon, the showcase winner spoke at the Gourmet Gators fundraising event in November. “That’s really why I’m grateful that I’ve won Bayou’s Best—because it enabled me to do more public speaking, to develop that skill a little bit more, but also to be a voice for students,” Perez said. “I actually
got to thank Marilyn Davies herself at Gourmet Gators. Obviously, she’s the namesake of my college, so that was really huge for me.”
As for future Bayou’s Best contestants, Perez advocates for involvement: “I think that future contestants should be community-focused, whether that’s being a student worker, being part of some organization, or just being visible on campus.” Perez’s recommendation reflects a shift in his own values. “I feel like a lot of people don’t try to get out there and talk to other people, and for a while, that was me. And Bayou’s Best helped me accelerate myself towards becoming a person that’s more extroverted and able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom.”
“I never thought that I’d have opportunities like these to actually showcase who I am as a person,” William said. “I do feel like UHD provides equal opportunities for everybody, and I have a great support system here.”
Photo: Luz Castilla Hincapie
Photo: Craig Loper
gator grit in action
Across baseball fields, volleyball courts, wrestling mats, and gaming suites, club sports teams foster leadership, community, and accountability among students.
BY NATALIA RUIZ
David Garcia throws a pitch.
Photos: Luz Castilla Hincapie
VOLLEYBALL
In women’s volleyball, that means creating a culture where new members feel empowered.
Over the past four years, a dedicated core of students has built up the program into a tight-knit, energized group and one of the most competitive teams in their division, closing out spring 2026 with a record of 5–1 before advancing to Lone Star Sports Club Conference playoffs. Without a formal coach, leadership responsibilities fall squarely on student shoulders.
President and Captain Aaliyah Norfleet has invested countless hours into shaping the culture of the team, drawing heavily on sports psychology principles and personal connection. One of Norfleet’s highest priorities is making time for every player individually. Whether it’s a quick check-in after practice or a longer conversation about goals and confidence, these one-on-one interactions help players develop confidence.
“There is a stark difference when a player feels supported by the team that they’re on versus when they’re showing up to play, and they’re uncertain,” Norfleet said.
WRESTLING
If the volleyball team’s strength lies in its size and social energy, the wrestling team’s identity is almost the opposite—although just as powerful.
With only three active competitors, the team operates on a scale that demands absolute commitment. And competition adds another layer to their experience. Unlike teams that can rely on local matchups, this group often road trips across state lines to find opponents.
Supporting them are coaches Kavrin Cox and Jarrel Jackson, both former UHD wrestlers, who emphasize personal accountability, telling the athletes, “What you put in, you get out.”
Conditioning isn’t assigned—it’s expected. And their system has paid off: The wrestlers had a strong showing this year, with two of them making it to National Collegiate Wrestling Association National Championships.
These shared challenges create a unique bond. When there are only three athletes going through the same demanding routines, there’s an understanding among them of what the others are sacrificing, which creates a foundation of mutual respect.
ESPORTS
Esports opens the door to a wide range of participants. While volleyball and wrestling rely on physical training and competition, the Esports program offers a different kind of team experience—one rooted in digital spaces but grounded in very real connections.
Students are welcome to join competitive teams for specific games or simply spend time in the suite exploring new ones. This variety allows students to find a niche that fits their interests and skill level. As with the volleyball and wrestling teams, players here aren’t expected to arrive as experts; instead, they’re encouraged to learn and improve at their own pace.
Several of the teams have found success within competitive fields: the Smash Bros team, both the Varsity and Junior Varsity Marvel Rivals teams, the Valorant team, the Rainbow 6 team, and an Iracing competitor all made it to their division playoffs. What sets this program apart is its Accessibility and Esports Coordinator Richard Rodriguez’s commitment to building up student leaders. Rodriguez trains student workers and oversees everything from coordination and communication to strategy, so they can effectively recruit new members, organize practices, and foster a welcoming environment.
The result is a layered community. At one level, there are the competitive teams working toward tournaments. At another, there’s a broader network of students who come simply to play and socialize. And lastly there are the leaders, whose coordination and logistics support make UHD Esports such an easy community to join. These layers overlap constantly, creating opportunities for friendship and leadership.
At UHD, club sports are united by a simple premise: You don’t need to arrive as an expert. You don’t need to be the best or a natural athlete. You just need to be willing to be part of something. In doing so, the campus will feel a little more like home.
Left: Women’s Volleyball Team President and Captain Aaliyah Norfleet Photo: Gabriela Perez
This page, top: UHD Wrestlers Caleb Sells, Carlos Lopez Rodriguez, and Lelan Hernandez
Bottom (left to right): Alexis Sky Beltran, Bryan Reyes, Julian Cervantes, and Jordan Grice compete in Esports.
Photo: Luz Castilla Hincapie
Leadership, Service, and a Network that Lasts
How Greek Life Shapes Servant Leaders
BY FELICITY TUTU
Alpha Psi Lambda Fraternity brothers Brandon Guerra and Luke Martinez
Photos: Gabriela Perez
For many students, joining a Greek organization at UHD becomes a defining part of their college experience, shaping their leadership skills and service mindset.
“Being part of a Greek-letter organization means committing to something bigger than oneself,” said Tremaine Kwasikpui, Director of Student Leadership & Involvement. “Philanthropy and service are at the center of that, and it teaches students to lead with purpose.”
Greek life at UHD has grown significantly over the past several years, expanding from just a handful of active organizations to a community of 13 Greek-letter organizations. That kind of significant growth is a function of the university’s focus on leadership development, professional success, and meaningful student engagement across campus.
That purpose and potential impact is what drew senior Natalie Salinas, a member of Kappa Delta Chi, to Greek life at UHD. She was especially drawn to her organization’s commitment to service and its work with the National Cancer Society, which connected to her own experiences and passion for giving back.
“Service is a requirement, but once you’re involved, it becomes more meaningful,” she said. “When you do it with a group, it feels different. I feel amazing knowing I made someone smile or helped someone in need.”
“All of our organizations are unified by this commitment to serve,”
Kwasikpui said. Through volunteer work, fundraising efforts, and community partnerships, members take an active role in supporting causes both on campus and across Houston. Along the way, they learn how to lead, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
That impact has been personal for Salinas. After transferring to UHD, she found a community that pushed her to grow academically and personally. After joining Kappa Delta Chi, she stepped into leadership roles, including New Member Educator and President of the Multicultural Greek Council. She said the experience has strengthened her leadership and confidence, and she recently earned an Emerging Leadership Award at her sorority’s South Central Regional Conference.
As Greek life at UHD continues to grow, its impact extends far beyond campus. For many Gators, it becomes a foundation for leadership, service, and lifelong connection, shaping both their college experience and the way they show up in their communities long after graduation.
“ Philanthropy and service are at the center of that, and it teaches students to lead with purpose.
Top: Kappa Delta Chi’s Natalie Salinas
Middle (left to right): Alpha Kappa Alpha’s (AKA)
Lea Gould-Mitchell, Ashtyn Cooper, and Kylee Thomas
Bottom (left to right): Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta’s Richard Solomon, Tebria Reich, Richard McCraw, and Luther Fennick
Right page
Left to right: AKA’s Briana Alba, Sigma Kappa Omega’s Gloria Guicol, and AKA’s Ashtyn Cooper
Photos: Gabriela Perez, facing page and this page, bottom two
Celebrating Five Years on the Rise
2021-2026 UHD President Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D.
Over the five years that Dr. Loren J. Blanchard served as President, UHD reached new heights. When he first joined UHD as its seventh president in March 2021, he began with a listening tour that informed development of the university’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, “A New Paradigm.” The bedrock of Dr. Blanchard’s legacy, this plan led to many notable accomplishments over the past five years, many of which are mentioned here and continue to fuel the university’s progress.
Optimizing Student Success with Holistic Support
Under President Blanchard, student success was the number one priority, leading to the creation of the Student Success and Student Life Division (3SL) and implementation of 21 student success strategies focused on improving academic support, removing institutional barriers, and increasing higher education access.
Deepening Local Partnerships
President Blanchard’s commitment to establishing UHD as the anchor institution of Houston meant every decision considered both students’ and Houston’s needs. Through partnerships with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the city of Houston, UHD increased community outreach, service learning, field experience, and
internship opportunities. The university also established several enrollment partnerships with local school districts, including data sharing agreements with YES Prep and Harmony Public Schools, a 2+2 Cybersecurity degree pathway with Aldine ISD and Lone Star College, and a Guaranteed Admission Program in partnership with Houston ISD.
Increasing the University’s Visibility Throughout Blanchard’s presidency, UHD’s brand solidified. Key milestones include the 2023 debut of UHD’s 45foot Ed-U-Gator balloon in Houston’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a 2024 city proclamation acknowledging the university’s contributions to Houston. National accolades from the Wall Street Journal further distinguished the campus as No. 3 in Student Experience.
Achieving Operational Stability
President Blanchard led UHD through a three-year strategic plan to reduce the university’s $12M structural budget deficit. With campus wide cooperation, the University Budget Advisory Committee and the Division of Administration and Finance reduced the structural budget deficit to less than $500,000 by the start of Fiscal Year 2027. Notably, this feat was accomplished while protecting student success efforts and supporting a merit salary pool.
Expanding the University’s Footprint and Impact
President Blanchard worked relentlessly to secure 11.93 acres of land from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) at no cost, expanding UHD’s footprint along the I-10 and Providence Street corridor in alignment with the university’s Campus Master Plan. The agreement with TxDOT also provided three revenue-generating parking lots to support operations. Further, for the first time in 25 years, UHD received legislative funding for an exceptional item request—$2.6M to develop the Center for Crime, Urban Research, and Education (C-CURE). The first agency to aggregate data across Houston’s criminal justice agencies, C-CURE will significantly amplify the university’s regional impact.
Looking Ahead
In the final months of President Blanchard’s tenure, UHD completed its SACSCOC reaffirmation report and onsite visit with no recommendations for improvement—a testament to the university’s campus-wide excellence. Final approval will be announced at the SACSCOC Conference in December 2026 in Houston. With a clear vision and focused goals, UHD moves confidently into a promising future. In President Blanchard’s words, “The best is yet to come.”
Clockwise from upper left: Dr. Blanchard and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner; Dr. Blanchard and Professor Floyd Newsum; Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Dr. Blanchard, and City Council Member Mario Castillo in the City Hall Chamber; Dr. Blanchard with Ed-U-Gator and UHD Cheerleaders
Top photos: Mitchell Loper Bottom right photo: Gabriela Perez
